Boulder Attack Is a Wake-Up Call for Jewish Institutions

On June 1, 2025, a horrific act of antisemitic violence unfolded in Boulder, Colorado, where six people were burned and injured during a demonstration advocating for Israeli hostages. The suspect reportedly hurled an incendiary device at a peaceful group, igniting more than just physical harm—it reignited deep fears within the Jewish community about the rising threat of antisemitic violence in America.

Let’s be clear: this wasn’t an isolated event. It’s part of a disturbing and escalating pattern.

As tensions abroad intensify, so do threats at home. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine is fueling anger and extremism across the U.S., and Jewish institutions—synagogues, schools, community centers—are increasingly being caught in the crosshairs.

“We work with several synagogues and Jewish community centers that have reported a noticeable increase in antisemitic threats and incidents,” says Barton Roth, cofounder of Chai Life Security and an active member of the Jewish community in Framingham, Massachusetts. “Unfortunately, we don’t expect that to slow down anytime soon.”

What happened in Boulder could happen anywhere. And the worst mistake Jewish leaders can make is assuming it won’t happen to them.

“In times like these, houses of worship can’t afford to wait until something happens,” says Mathew Gutwill, Chai Life Security’s cofounder and a retired police detective who now oversees training for the company’s security personnel. “They need proactive security plans—risk assessments, emergency protocols, and trained professionals in place—before a threat materializes. Being reactive means you’re already too late.”

At Chai Life Security, we help Jewish institutions stay one step ahead of potential threats by offering comprehensive security consultations and on-site risk assessments for houses of worship. These aren’t surface-level walk-throughs—they’re detailed evaluations led by trained security professionals who understand the complexities of faith-based protection.

Our process includes:

• Threat identification and vulnerability assessment: We analyze points of entry, gathering areas, and high-risk times like holidays and events.
• Review of existing protocols: We evaluate what’s in place and where critical gaps exist.
• Customized emergency response planning: From active shooter scenarios to bomb threats to fire evacuation, we build a response plan based on your specific facility and needs.
• Training for staff, clergy, and volunteers: We teach your team how to respond calmly and effectively in real-world emergencies.
• Surveillance and access control recommendations: We identify where physical security systems (cameras, locks, lighting) can support personnel-based security.
  
  

We know security can feel intimidating. But inaction is no longer an option. Every synagogue and Jewish organization should have a strategy that makes safety a priority—one that’s tailored, respectful, and rooted in readiness.

If you lead or support a Jewish institution, we urge you to get ahead of the threat. Don’t wait for a crisis to build your response plan. Contact Chai Life Security today to schedule a risk assessment or consultation. We’ll walk your property, identify potential gaps, and work with you to create a solution that reflects your values and protects your community.

Safety isn’t a response—it’s a responsibility. And it begins long before an incident occurs. Contact us today.

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